At least 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Security Action on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 people were killed in a police operation targeting the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's history.
Four security agents were among those killed during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 individuals were detained.
Violent conflicts broke out when around 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho reacted using shooting, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "horrified" by the police operation, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to Rio's airport is regarded as the central command of a major criminal organizations.
State officials confirmed a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Locals have likened the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network have been expanding their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the raid, along with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The joint operation by civil and military police was preceded by a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are regular in the country ahead of important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in November.
